ci·pher
/ˈsīfər/
noun
1. a secret or disguised way of writing; a code.
Anything that references keeping something secret is a clever name for a concealment holster. However, that wasn’t my first impression about the Henry Holsters Cipher holster. I used this holster in conjunction with a Heckler & Koch VP9A1 F, and as soon as I donned it, I couldn’t help but notice how comfortable the new HK VP9A1 F version carries without having to add wedges or extra peripherals to improve the fit.
To summarize the holster in one line, the Cipher is a slim, inside-the-waistband (IWB) or appendix holster (AIWB) designed around compatibility with the PHLster Enigma system and the unique Discreet Carry Concepts steel belt clips. Cipher and Enigma. Get it? Clever.
Henry Holsters Cipher Overview
The Cipher series is part of the new wave of contemporary style of practical carry IWB/AIWB carry holsters. The Cipher is made from Boltaron and has a symmetrical design which makes it inherently ambidextrous. To accomplish its design mission of being both compatible with the PHLster Enigma system and Discreet Carry Concepts clips, the Cipher’s construction relies on industry-standard-spaced holes to meet those compatibility requirements. These holes and their spacing allow it to seamlessly integrate with the Enigma, the DCC belt clips or other hardware such as Raven Concealment’s polymer overhooks. By default, the Cipher ships with DCC Mod. 4 belt clips and a Mod Wing.
Beyond an efficient carry footprint and compatibility, Andrew Henry designed this holster to easily accommodate any pistol that has a slide-mounted red-dot sight and suppressor-height iron sights. The muzzle area on the Cipher is kept open, and these holsters also feature symmetrical mid-ride sweat guards to help keep the Cipher’s footprint smaller as well.
Fit-wise, Henry Holsters manufactures the Cipher for a wide variety of today’s most popular, primarily 9mm carry guns. The range covers many makes and models, from the new Ruger RXM to the Canik Mete SF and the Beretta PX4 series as well as the SIG Sauer P365 family and Staccato 2011’s XC, P and C2 handguns.
Carrying With The Cipher
The Cipher model that I’m writing about is one of the latest holster fits for the HK VP9 family. It fits the VP9 SK, the first generation standard-length VP9s, the new VP9A1 K and VP9A1 F. I’ve been wearing it as a standalone holster with the DCC clips out of the box and the VP9A1 F. Perhaps my favorite aspect about the Henry Holsters HK VP9 Cipher holster is that the bottom edges of its keel (the vertical, long side) are rounded off instead of square.
With my particular carry style and body shape, it makes for an extremely comfortable holster, especially when sitting down for extended periods of time. While wearing, it’s also easy to notice the additional comfort from the fact that the Cipher has a slim design. However, it does have some width, which is a good thing. The Cipher isn’t bulky as some holsters, but it has decent side-to-side (top of the slide to bottom of the trigger guard) width. Speaking from personal experience, this type of width in conjunction with a longer keel helps the holster pack and print less against the body.
The Cipher has fixed retention, but after many times drawing the HK VP9A1 F from the holster, I wouldn’t change anything about it. It’s true that the steel Discreet Carry Concepts Mod.4 clips can be annoying to don or remove and there’s also a likelihood that they may scratch the carry belt. However, once they’re in place correctly, the clips stay locked in for good. With the new VP9A1 F’s smooth front strap and neutral grip angle, there is no mystery to the Cipher.
